Substack
Service
Consumer PR
Industry
Media
(Overview)
Publishing platform Substack, home to some of the world’s most influential writers, revealed in 2023 that the UK was its fastest-growing market. To capitalise on this momentum, co-founder Hamish McKenzie and UK Partnerships lead Farrah Storr enlisted R. Agency to host a series of exclusive events designed to attract the country’s top writing talent and celebrate with its growing UK network. R. Agency executed a two-part strategy: an intimate gathering where McKenzie personally engaged high-profile writers, followed by a 120-person event bringing together the Substack community. Industry heavyweights, including Tim Spector, Johann Hari, and Emma Gannon attended, cementing Substack’s position as the go-to platform for the UK’s leading writers.
(Project Details)
To elevate Substack’s position within the UK’s writing community, R. Agency began by bringing together the platform’s extensive network of media contributors and fans at an intimate gathering, hosted by founder and ex-journo Hamish McKenzie. In this exclusive setting, McKenzie directly engaged with key figures, discussing the unique benefits of Substack and fostering a deeper connection to the platform. The second phase, to celebrate success and reach a wider writing audience, culminated in a 120-person event bringing together the biggest names in the UK Substack community. The curated guest list included influencers, KOLs and creators who could advocate on behalf of the brand. The event strengthened community ties, celebrated the success of the platform and gave existing Substackers an opportunity to network.
Publishing platform Substack is achieving exponential growth, and the UK is one of the company’s fastest growing markets and home to some of the platform’s most influential writers. To celebrate the company’s continued growth in the market, co-founder Hamish McKenzie and UK Partnerships lead Farrah Storr enlisted R. Agency to create a series of exclusive events designed to attract the country’s top writing talent, celebrate the brand’s UK growth and attract new talent onto the platform.
Results
Across both events, R. Agency successfully created opportunities for Substack to expand its network in the UK, engaging 40 new potential writers from leading outlets like The Times, The Telegraph, Financial Times, and Vice. The events were attended by 130+ top Substack creators, including Tim Spector, Johann Hari, and Emma Gannon. This stellar guest list not only celebrated Substack’s success but rewarded the existing community.
